3E - Engineering Excellence Edwardsville
siue.edu/engineering
MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING DEGREES How will you tell the story of the year 2020? The uncertainty brought on by the challenges of the pandemic can be overwhelming, but the story I will tell from the SIUE School of Engineering is one of resilience.
Civil Engineering Civil Civil Civil BS, MS Engineering Engineering Civil Engineering BS, MS BS, MS MS Engineering BS, BS, MS
• Our faculty modified their courses from in-person to online on very short notice. Then as conditions changed and a smaller population was allowed on campus, faculty again modified many courses to a hybrid format. • Our staff ensured our operations would continue as smoothly as possible while working without the tools that make their jobs easier. They learned new technologies as they went from working on campus to the isolation of working from home almost overnight.
Industrial Industrial Engineering Industrial Engineering BS, MS, Industrial Industrial Engineering BS, MS, Minor Engineering Engineering BS,Minor MS, BS, MS, BS, MS, Minor Minor Minor
• Our students struggled with the difference between learning in-person and online, some living away from home for the first time.
Computer Science Computer Computer Computer BA, BS, MS, Science Science Computer Science PhD, Minor BA, BS, MS, BA, BS, MS, Science BA, MS, PhD,BS, Minor PhD, Minor BA, BS, MS, PhD, Minor PhD, Minor
Computer Engineering Computer Computer Computer BS, Minor Engineering Engineering Computer Engineering BS, Minor BS, Minor Engineering BS, Minor BS, Minor
I am very proud that, despite these challenges, we were still able to utilize our equipment and expertise to provide personal protective equipment to first responders. Our first donation to police and medical personnel was in April, and our efforts continue today aided by a significant donation from Dr. Narayan Bodapati, former chair of the Department of Construction.
Mechanical Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering BS, MS, Mechanical Mechanical Engineering BS, MS, Minor Engineering Engineering BS, MS, Minor BS, MS, BS, MS, Minor Minor Minor
Electrical Engineering Electrical Electrical Electrical BS, MS, Engineering Engineering Electrical Engineering Minor BS, MS, BS, MS, Engineering BS, MS, Minor Minor BS,Minor MS, Minor
Construction Management Construction Construction Construction BS, Minor Management Management Construction Management BS, Minor BS, Minor Management BS, Minor BS, Minor
Mechatronics & Robotics Mechatronics Engineering & Robotics Mechatronics Mechatronics Engineering BS & Robotics Mechatronics & Robotics BS Engineering &Engineering Robotics BS Engineering BS BS
Engineering Engineering Science Engineering Science PhD Engineering Engineering Science PhD Science Science PhD PhD PhD
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SIUE ENGINEERING SIUE ENGINEERING AVERAGE AVERAGE SIUE ENGINEERING SIUE ENGINEERING 1051 AVERAGE 1051 NATIONAL AVERAGE NATIONAL
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AVERAGE AVERAGE NATIONAL NATIONAL AVERAGE AVERAGE
650 650 650 650 650
SIUE ENGINEERING SIUE ENGINEERING AVERAGE AVERAGE SIUE ENGINEERING ENGINEERING SIUE SIUE ENGINEERING AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE
ILLINOIS ILLINOIS AVERAGE AVERAGE
27.6 27.6 27.6 24.7 24.7 24.7 24.7 24.7
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2020 GRADUATES
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UNDERGRADUATE AND GRADUATE ENROLLMENT BY PROGRAM
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350 350
Cem Karacal, PhD Dean
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ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING Growing reputation for outstanding programs, rising academic qualifications of applicants, and a nearly 100% placement of graduates in the engineering fields are clear testimonies to the quality of engineering education at SIUE. Since 1982, the School of Engineering has prepared students to meet the growing needs in our region and nation for more engineers, computer scientists and construction managers. Fueling the prosperity of our region, the School has graduated more than 7,000 engineering professionals. More than 60% of our graduates work in the St. Louis metro area.
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250 MINORITY AND FEMALE UNDERGRADUATE 250 250 250 ENROLLMENT 240
240 240 240 230
306 306
250 250 200200 200 200 150150 150 150 100 100 100 100 100 50 50
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SIUE ENGINEERING SIUE ENGINEERING AVERAGE AVERAGE SIUEENGINEERING ENGINEERING SIUE SIUE ENGINEERING 24.1 24.1 AVERAGE AVERAGE ILLINOIS AVERAGE ILLINOIS
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Anyone interested in joining our efforts to meet the need for more engineers, computer scientists and construction managers in our region and across the nation can contact Lisa Smith, director of development, at lsmitag@siue.edu. Sincerely,
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To all of those who support our School, we are extremely grateful for your generosity.
SIUE ENGINEERING SIUE ENGINEERING AVERAGE SIUEAVERAGE ENGINEERING SIUE ENGINEERING SIUE ENGINEERING 20.6 AVERAGE 20.6 AVERAGE NATIONAL AVERAGE NATIONAL
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1007 1007 ILLINOIS ILLINOIS AVERAGE 1007 AVERAGE 1007
503 503 503 503 503
ILLINOIS ILLINOIS AVERAGE AVERAGE ILLINOIS ILLINOIS ILLINOIS AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE
COMP CT 27.6 O 27.6
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I can assure you that we are not solely focused on the present. We continue to look forward and are exploring new program opportunities such as a bachelor’s in cybersecurity engineering and an online master’s in computer science. Using what we learned during the events of 2020, we are also developing new and creative ways of delivering instruction to our students.
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With our industry partners’ support, we continue to improve our programs. Generous donations from Basler Electric Company, Ameren and Doble Engineering have allowed us to develop the Basler Electric Power Systems Lab. The lab will feature state-of-the-art power system equipment, including Basler protective relays and innovative motor controls utilized in a wide range of industrial applications. This collaboration will help all parties expand a highly prepared talent pool in power technology.
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FALL 2020 FIRST SEMESTER FRESHMEN
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60 60 60 50 50 50 0 0 0 00
Undergraduate Graduate
80 80 80 80 80 88 88 88 88 88 101 101 101 101 101 244 244 244 244 244 263 263 263 263 263 325 325
325 325 325 424 424 TOTALS TOTALS
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Mechatronics & Robotics Engr. Undergraduate: 80 Construction Management Undergraduate: 88
230 230 230 220 220
220 220 220 210 210
Industrial Engineering Undergraduate: 80 Graduate: 21
210 210 210 200 200
Civil Engineering Undergraduate: 193 Graduate: 47 PhD: 4
200 200 200 190 190
Electrical & Computer Engr. Undergraduate: 223 Graduate: 39 PhD: 1
190 190 190 180 180
Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate: 291 Graduate: 28 PhD: 6
180 180 180 170 170
Computer Science Undergraduate: 372 Graduate: 50 PhD: 2 Total Undergraduate: 1,327 Graduate: 185 PhD: 13
170 170 170
22 2222 1 % 6..77% 16 22 222 22 22 %% .7 6 % 11 .76 .7 16
119999 1155% % 99 1919 19 % 5 1 % 5 1 15%
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COVID-19 RESPONSE 3D-PRINTED FACE SHIELDS KEEPING COMMUNITY SAFE
LUO ORGANIZES VIRTUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
Using the School of Engineering’s set of 3D printers, Jagath Gunasekera, PhD, lab manager; and Brent Vaughn, lab specialist and lecturer in the Department of Civil Engineering; fabricated much-needed face shields for the SIUE Police Department.
To stimulate more research interest for exploration of nonlinear science and complexity, Albert Luo, PhD, distinguished research professor in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, organized a Conference Series on Nonlinear Science and Complexity that took place virtually November 23-25.
Police staffing at the three SIUE campuses remained at full strength during the spring and summer, but with changes to policies and procedures in order to keep police officers and the University community safe. Officers responded to emergency calls in person, took as many reports over the phone as possible and limited the number of traffic stops made. Police officers utilized personal protective equipment during all public interactions, making the shield donation particularly beneficial. When former chair of the Department of Construction, Narayan Bodapati, PhD, heard about the project, he donated $10,000 to the School. The funds were used to purchase three additional 3D printers to increase production. More than 350 face shields have been made and donated. In
The conference series was designed to present the fundamental and frontier theories and techniques for modern science and technology, while providing an opportunity for acclaimed researchers like Luo to directly pass knowledge to the next generation of engineers and technologists in vital science fields. Luo serves as a local organization chair for the online conference series, which has a 16-year history. He hopes the virtual conference format will prove successful and serve as a new template for future conferences. addition to the Police Department, recipients include the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, School of Nursing, and Anderson Hospital in Maryville, Ill.
COVID-19 cannot stop us from continuously working for our society and exchanging ideas with colleagues. - Albert Luo, PhD, Distinguished Research Professor, Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering
FACULTY SMOOTHLY TRANSITIONS TO ONLINE TEACHING Cross teaches statics, structural engineering, advanced steel design and senior design courses. While delivering classes online, he has found that students are performing just as well on exams as they were during in-person learning. “I seem to get more interaction with students during online office hours than I did before the pandemic,” Cross said. “Students are very comfortable attending office hours via Zoom. I can be available indefinitely after classes for additional questions and students take advantage of that opportunity.”
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, University faculty abruptly changed course delivery to an online format in March 2020. Nima Lotfi, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, and Brad Cross, PE, SE, PhD, professor in the Department of Civil Engineering, are two faculty who have seamlessly made the transition. Throughout the year, Lotfi has taught courses in automatic control, introductory and integrated mechatronics, robotics, and engineering problem solving. During the spring, Lotfi quickly adjusted the lab component of his mechatronics class to suit online learning. “Rather than in-lab experiences, I used software to teach new practices and provide new resources,” said Lotfi. “This software is not typically utilized in our educational system, but is increasingly being used elsewhere. This was a good opportunity to expose students to these software packages.” Additionally, Lotfi purchased robotics kits to provide students with hands-on activities while learning remotely. Throughout the fall semester, students have used the kits to build their own robots and test algorithms.
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Remote learning has allowed Cross’ senior design students to meet with external engineers on Zoom, utilizing an abundance of online collaboration tools. This semester, students have assisted engineering companies by designing roads, bridges, foundations and soil walls. “Before 2020, a lot of engineers in the real world worked entirely online,” noted Cross. “This will only increase in the coming years.”
I let my students know that the way we are working in class today in many ways mirrors what some of them will experience after graduation. - Brad Cross, PE, SE, PhD, Professor, Department of Civil Engineering
“Through experience using Zoom to teach remotely, I immediately thought we should have an online conference rather than the standard on-site event,” Luo said. “Such an online conference resolves the puzzles caused by COVID-19. It reduces costs and traveling time, which is important for attendees. And, the virtual environment ensures older, established scientists can join in the exchange of ideas.” Luo has achieved international recognition in his field with his theory of flow barrier vector fields, allowing him to seamlessly find colleagues interested in sharing their research at the virtual event. Colleagues credit him with developing methods of calculating chaotic motions, as well as pioneering theories of dynamic physical changes that were previously unexplained. At the virtual conference, five top scientists from Italy, Spain and the United States delivered plenary speeches for one-hour lectures. The series featured 16 invited speakers from the Americas, Europe and Asia, including the United States, Russia, China, Portugal, France, Italy, Lithuania, Egypt, India, Iran and Brazil. Additionally, seven symposiums on Nonlinear Dynamics and Complexity were included. Topics of interest included nonlinear differential equations and applications, discontinuous dynamical systems and
control, neurodynamics and brain dynamics, social dynamics and complexity, switching systems with impulses, and more. “My passion in mechanical engineering is to develop more accurate theories of mechanical systems for better descriptions and applications,” Luo explained. “In this conference, our research group presented the recent progress on ‘bifurcation trees of periodic motions to chaos in nonlinear mechanical systems.’”
Upon reviewing student feedback of online learning, Cross found most students prefer synchronous over asynchronous course delivery. Online synchronous classes utilizing Zoom mirror traditional classes, where students can attend and ask questions in a live setting. “Another benefit is our ability to reach students all over the world,” added Cross. “Many international students have been unable to return to the U.S., and it’s been rewarding to be able to have discussions with them just as if they are in Edwardsville.”
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PARTNERSHIPS MITEK FOSTERS WELL-ROUNDED CIVIL ENGINEERS
POWER SYSTEMS LAB YIELDS NEW FINDINGS A charitable gift from Ameren Illinois is helping fund research equipment acquisition and research studies being performed in the School of Engineering’s new Power Systems Lab. The lab presents collaboration opportunities between Ameren and the School, including a recent study by Xin Wang, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and director of the Power Systems Lab. Wang reported to Ameren on “Power System as a Service: Amazon Web Service (AWS) Cloud Computing Based Smart Power Grid.” The cloud-computing model is based on the rapid delivery of computing capabilities as a service, whereby power protection, generation, storage, transmission, distribution and load information are provided to AWS in real-time as commodities over the Internet. “Cloud computing with AWS can significantly reduce costs, increase storage, and provide ondemand performance, better flexibility and superior reliability,” Wang said. Additional collaborative opportunities may include studies into microgrids, smart grid, customer use of electricity and related areas. The lab is utilized by both undergraduate and graduate students and includes features such as phasor measurement units, real-time power simulators, SEL power protection relays, smart meters, power converters, renewable energy sources and more.
OATES ASSOCIATES HELPS GROW ENGINEERING LEADERS
MiTek has supported the School of Engineering’s research and teaching efforts for more than 20 years. Headquartered in St. Louis with offices all over North America, MiTek is the world’s leading supplier of timber truss connector plates. As nearly all residential and much commercial construction in the U.S. employ timber truss roofs, MiTek connectors are an integral part of the construction industry.
The annual contribution enables the department to offer additional timber design courses and provide timber design codes to the students at no cost to them. Additionally, Jeff Vance, BS civil engineering ’12, MS civil engineering ’16, senior design engineer at MiTek, teaches a timber design course and said the partnership is mutually beneficial.
“We’ve had a very long, productive and rewarding relationship with MiTek,” said Brad Cross, PE, SE, PhD, professor in the Department of Civil Engineering. “MiTek has hired many of our bachelor’s- and master’s-level graduates. They have developed and supervised many of our senior design projects over the years, and they have been contributing $10,000 annually to our department for the last three years.”
“When MiTek gets the opportunity to partner with SIUE through hosting senior design groups and classroom lectures, students get the opportunity to peek on the other side of graduation and see what’s happening in the construction industry in real-time and gain practical insights,” Vance said. “MiTek benefits because we get to establish relationships with new engineers at the beginning of their careers.”
The highlight for me is passing on knowledge to the next generation of engineers, just as so many have done for me. In doing so, my knowledge grows a little deeper. - Jeff Vance, BS civil engineering ’12, MS civil engineering ’16, Senior Design Engineer, MiTek USA
Through numerous shows of support, Oates Associates guides the School of Engineering’s Department of Civil Engineering toward continuous improvement. Oates Associates, a multi-disciplined design firm with offices in the metro east and St. Louis region, provides engineering and surveying services for transportation and building projects. Specifically, this includes transportation planning, traffic engineering, highway and street design, building and bridge structural design and inspections, site design, stormwater management, and survey services. Two members of Oates leadership team help shape the School’s curriculum, address industry trends, and ensure graduates are well-prepared for the current and future job market. Bruce Schopp, BS civil engineering ’82, president and COO of Oates, serves on the School of Engineering Advisory Board. This involvement allows Oates to maintain close and direct communication with faculty and students, and provide advice on industry trends. Tom Cissell, BS civil engineering ’97, MS civil engineering ’04, senior project manager of Oates, is a member of the Department of Civil Engineering’s Industrial and Professional Advisory Council. Additionally, Cissell has taught two different courses and received the 2019 School of Engineering Adjunct Professor of the Year Award. Offering real-world experience and perspective, Cissell emphasizes oral communication, writing skills and business development, all of which are important to be a successful engineer. In return, connecting with students provides Oates an avenue for quality new hires.
alleviating financial burdens, which is always appreciated by students and parents. We feel scholarships are also an attraction for recruitment of incoming students, and we want to do our part to help bolster enrollment in such a reputable program.”
Another way Oates bolsters the caliber of graduates is by providing multiple annual scholarships to civil engineering students who demonstrate financial need and academic achievement in the field.
Our roots run deep with SIUE, and we are honored to give back to an institution who has helped cultivate Oates Associates.
“Scholarship contributions are an excellent and easy way to give back to the School,” Schopp said. “It is important to our firm to recognize those who have excelled academically while also
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- Bruce Schopp, BS Civil Engineering ’82, President and COO, Oates Associates
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STUDENT SUCCESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP STUDENTS TAKE THIRD PLACE AT IISE/ROCKWELL SIMULATION COMPETITION Industrial engineering (IE) seniors finished third in the virtual global finals of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)/Rockwell Undergraduate Student Simulation Competition. The competition took place in June and is one of the largest student competitions in the national and international IE community. The winning team of Brittany Booten, of St. Louis; Stephen Holdenried, of Edwardsville; and Jacob Muenchau, of Freeburg, Ill.; attended the virtual IISE Annual Conference and Expo in November to be acknowledged for their award.
Our team collaborated so well, because we recognized each other’s strengths and used that to our advantage. We each brought a unique skill set and background to the table. By letting each other lead in the parts we were excited to work on, we were able to let those skills shine. - Brittany Booten, St. Louis, Industrial Engineering Senior
COUGAR BAJA SUCCEEDS AT MIDNIGHT MAYHEM The Cougar Baja team competed at the University of Louisville’s 2019 Midnight Mayhem, the world’s largest exhibition race for Baja SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) vehicles. Seventy-three teams, including 11 international entries, competed with 93 cars that were tested for acceleration, maneuverability and suspension. The featured event is the endurance race that challenges teams to navigate a course full of rocks, logs, jumps and other obstacles to see whose car can make the most laps in four hours.
FOSTERING ENTREPRENEURIAL POTENTIAL An integrated luggage system, drone-based security system and hydro-electric energy harvesting product were just three of five products pitched during the 3 Day Startup (3DS) hosted by the Schools of Engineering and Business in February 2020. Led by a 3DS-certified facilitator, the 72-hour entrepreneurship program challenged 32 SIUE student-participants to ideate a concept and develop it into a viable and scalable business model in an extremely hands-on environment that emphasized brainstorming, prototyping, customer discovery and mentorship. 3DS engaged students pursuing a variety of majors, including industrial, mechanical and mechatronics engineering; computer science; computer management and information systems; business administration with an entrepreneurship specialization; art and more. “The nature and format of 3DS strongly aligned with the objectives of our Grady Foundation Innovation Loft, located in our new Fowler Student Design Center,” said Dean Cem Karacal, PhD. The Grady Foundation Innovation Loft features agile, reconfigurable space designed to support collaboration and innovation for the School’s extensive array of project teams. It offers six collaboration zones that include projection screens, mobile wirelessly connected flat screen displays, mobile white boards and writable wall surfaces. “Our students thrive in this collaborative environment as they formulate designs and develop their projects,” said Associate Dean Chris Gordon, PhD. “The loft reflects the open and collaborative workspaces that School of Engineering students often encounter upon graduation.”
As we foster an entrepreneurial mindset among our students and build a startup infrastructure in the School, this event was timely and provided a great learning experience for students. - Cem Karacal, PhD, Dean
Our highlight was being on the top 20 leaderboard for the majority of the endurance race, holding 12th place for an extended period of time before a mechanical failure forced us out. - David Gipson, Creal Springs, Ill., Mechanical Engineering Senior, Cougar Baja President
STUDENTS ADDRESS COMMUNITY NEEDS SIUE Successful Communities Collaborative is a cross-disciplinary program that supports one-year partnerships between the University and communities in Illinois to advance local resilience and sustainability based on community-identified environmental, social and economic issues and needs. Engineering students in the travel demand forecasting class were tasked with completing a traffic impact study in collaboration with the City of Edwardsville. The class was divided into four design teams, each focused on different stages of development.
The students collaborated between design teams, similar to different companies working together in the real world. At the end of semester, they presented their work to the mayor and other city officials. Their predictions were similar to those of a professional engineering company that was previously hired for the study. - Ryan Fries, PhD, PE, Professor and Chair, Department of Civil Engineering
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GIVING DAN COTE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
BASLER BOLSTERS POWER ENGINEERING PROGRAM WITH $100K CONTRIBUTION
Oftentimes, SIUE engineering students graduate inspired by their faculty and staff. This was the case of Rich Oller, BS civil engineering ’76, who developed the Dan Cote Memorial Scholarship in honor of his mentor’s legacy. When Professor Cote passed away in February 2020, Oller wished to memorialize him and give back to the University he held in high regard.
The School of Engineering’s development of a first-class power engineering program is being boosted by valued and long-standing industry partner, Basler Electric Company. Headquartered in Highland, Ill., Basler has contributed $100,000 in equipment and bestowed naming rights for the 545-square-foot lab.
The Dan Cote Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to an engineering student who has an interest in pursuing a career in water and wastewater engineering, a discipline about which Cote was passionate.
“Basler’s donation is greatly appreciated, as it comes at a time when state support is diminishing, and we need the support of our industry partners to maintain and enhance our state-of-the-art laboratories,” said Dean Cem Karacal, PhD. “This is a mutually beneficial collaboration that will help both parties, as well as our region, in expanding a highly prepared talent pool in power systems technology.”
“I entered the program at SIUE under Dan Cote’s guidance and found a discipline that still excites me every day,” said Oller. “Designing various water and wastewater improvements for cities and municipalities to provide safe drinking water and treating wastewater to protect our natural resources was instilled in me by Dan.”
Dan Cote, 1930-2020
The donation will furnish the Basler Electric Power Systems Lab with state-of-the-art power system equipment used in the field, including: • Basler protective relays for power distribution applications • Motor applications • Generator applications • Innovative motor controls utilized in water, power and mining applications
Upon graduation, Oller moved to Lubbock, Texas, where he developed Oller Engineering, Inc. (OEI). After Cote and his wife had moved nearby to be closer to their children, he joined Oller at OEI, offering guidance every step of the way.
Dan Cote was a teacher, philosopher, and most of all, my friend and mentor who always paid it forward. Now it’s my turn.
“Our relationship started as a professor and student and grew into one that molded me into a professional who sees more than engineering, equations and solutions,” said Oller.
- Rich Oller, BS Civil Engineering, ’76, CEO, Principal, Oller Engineering
It is important to support the educational process of the next generation of engineering talent. Having equipment in the Basler Electric Power Systems Lab that is available for students to experience real-world applications offers an invaluable piece of education for the power industry. - Ken Rhodes, President and Chief Operating Officer, Basler Electric Company
ENTERPRISE HOLDINGS FOUNDATION DONATION TRANSFORMS ATRIUM Enterprise Holding Foundation’s three-year, $500,000 annual contribution marks the School of Engineering’s largest gift to date, and further solidifies the nationally-recognized School as a top-tier institution cultivating academically and technically prepared talent.
Our donation to the School of Engineering represents an investment in the next generation of IT talent and the future of the Greater St. Louis community as a whole. - Carolyn Kindle Betz, President, Enterprise Holdings Foundation
HELMKAMP CONSTRUCTION SCHOLARSHIP Established by Rob Johnes, BS construction management ’97, owner of Helmkamp Construction, the Helmkamp Construction Scholarship offers assistance to students who demonstrate a proven track record of success in the industry. With this annual scholarship, Helmkamp offers two $2,500 scholarships to students in the Department of Construction in the hopes of making a significant impact on the financial demands of obtaining a bachelor’s degree in construction management. Johnes joined Helmkamp Construction as a college intern and recognizes the financial need that construction management students have while pursuing their degree. Now as owner of Helmkamp Construction, he values the importance of rewarding students for their hard work to ensure success throughout their careers. “We have several team members across our organization, from executives to assistant project managers, who are graduates of SIUE,” Johnes said. “We also have had tremendous success as a company hiring student interns from the construction management program. Most of these interns find they wish to pursue a long-term career with us and develop into exemplary project management professionals.” Due to this success, Helmkamp Construction has chosen to work closely with the University to offer Helmkamp Construction Scholarships exclusively to the Department of Construction.
Rendering of Enterprise Holdings Foundation Atrium Video Wall
Through a $1.5 million donation from the Enterprise Holdings Foundation, the first installment of upgrades to the Enterprise Holdings Foundation Atrium was completed in spring 2020. The reimagined atrium provides a welcoming place to convene for the sharing of ideas and to comfortably accomplish academic and professional goals. Features include multiple IT ports, projection capabilities, ample charging stations and electrical outlets, and high-quality furnishings.
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The second phase of upgrades includes installment of a 14-by-8-foot video wall with six 55-inch side monitors and includes an audio system and acoustic treatments to support live events. Scheduled for completion in spring 2021, the video wall will be used for organization meetings and presentation opportunities, such as senior design projects.
Once awarded one of our annual scholarships, we consider a student an official member of the Helmkamp Construction family and offer ourselves as a resource should they have questions. - Rob Johnes, BS Construction Management ’97, Owner, Helmkamp Construction
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RESEARCH AND FACULTY ACCOLADES GORDON APPOINTED TO AMERICAN COUNCIL FOR CONSTRUCTION EDUCATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES Associate Dean Chris Gordon, PhD, professor in the Department of Construction, has dedicated his professional life to the construction industry, with special emphasis on the development of future industry leaders through quality education. Among his latest contributions to ensuring student success and industry advancement is Gordon’s appointment as an at-large trustee on the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) Board of Trustees. The mission of the ACCE is to be a leading global advocate of quality construction education and to promote, support and accredit quality construction education programs. Gordon has been actively involved with ACCE for more than a decade and has served on numerous ACCE committees, including most recently the accreditation and guidance committees. “The ACCE plays a critical role in ensuring that our students are prepared to succeed and lead in the construction industry,” Gordon said. “My deep involvement in accreditation has also helped to ensure that SIUE’s program remains at the forefront of construction education.” SIUE’s construction management program has been continuously accredited by ACCE since 2001.
Through my involvement with ACCE, I have been able to help advance construction education to best prepare students for the rapidly evolving building industry. - Chris Gordon, PhD, Associate Dean and Professor, Department of Construction
WANG AWARDED AS OUTSTANDING EDUCATOR Xin Wang, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, received the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) St. Louis Section 2019 Outstanding Educator Award. The award is presented to IEEE members who motivate students to research, study and get involved in engineering topics and technologies, and those who encourage students to pursue careers in the engineering field. This award recognizes Wang’s superlative research and education contributions.
I could not have obtained this award without the great help and support from my colleagues. I am also very thankful to my previous students. - Xin Wang, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
VAUGHNIE LINDSAY NEW INVESTIGATOR In acknowledgement of his proven record and continued promise of making significant research contributions to his field of study, Jon Klingensmith, PhD, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, was recognized with the Graduate School’s 2020-21 Vaughnie Lindsay New Investigator Award. The award supports his research project, “Segmentation and Modeling of Adipose Tissue and Coronary Arteries in Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Images,” which involves the development of algorithms for identification of fat in cardiac images to provide a non-invasive assessment of heart disease risk not currently available. Klingensmith will receive a combined $12,500 from the SIUE Graduate School and the School of Engineering to be used in a one-year period.
CONCEPT COMMERCIALIZATION Felix Lee, PhD, professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering, and Tim McPherson, PhD, Professor of pharmaceutical sciences in the School of Pharmacy, received the Graduate School’s Concept Commercialization Award for 2020. The award provides $14,600 through May 1, 2021. They have designed an automated system for pharmacists to fill capsules with liquid drugs, allowing them to produce liquid-filled capsules more accurately and quickly. It will also decrease the risk of airborne particles that occurs when filling capsules with powdered drugs.
The automated system is not only more economically viable than manual liquid-filling, but also prevents inaccurate doses or human errors such as double-filling or skipping some capsules and spilling some doses. - Felix Lee, PhD, Professor, Department of Industrial Engineering
ONAL IS DAIS PRESIDENT-ELECT FOR 2021-22 Sinan Onal, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering, has been elected president-elect of the Data Analytics and Information Systems (DAIS) Division of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE). As DAIS president, Onal will continue implementing and strengthening activities and novel practices that support the meaningful work of the data analytics and information systems community. His objective is to create special interest groups that will attract research expertise.
DAIS envisions becoming the leading division in IISE by increasing networking and partnership between its members and promoting forums to engage, share and recognize innovative ideas in the field of data analytics and information systems. - Sinan Onal, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Industrial Engineering
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HOPPE RESEARCH PROFESSOR Sinan Onal, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering, received the Hoppe Research Professor Award, which recognizes and supports faculty members whose research or creative activities have the promise of making significant contributions to their fields of studies. The award supports a significant portion of a faculty member’s larger research agenda for a two-year period. Recipients are expected to produce published scholarly works and externally sponsored grants. Onal’s latest research endeavor, entitled “Gait Alterations in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder,” uses the University’s state-of-the-art motion capture and analysis system, along with kinematic, kinetic and electromyography data to investigate whether the gait cycle or muscle activity in children with ASD is distinct from that in other children.
KLINGENSMITH EXPANDS HEART DISEASE RESEARCH UNDER NIH GRANT With a $433,376 award in support of his focus on the non-invasive assessment and possible detection of underlying coronary artery disease, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is accelerating the research program of Jon Klingensmith, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and head of its Biomedical Imaging Research Lab. Klingensmith’s research project, “Model-based Assessment of Cardiac Adipose Tissue Volume and Distribution,” aims to develop a system to make a comprehensive assessment of cardiac fat using only 2D ultrasound, an inexpensive and portable imaging modality. “Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States,” Klingensmith said. “Broadly, my research goals are to develop imaging-related technologies and algorithms to aid in the assessment of heart disease. More specifically, this project focuses on using 3D image analysis and deep learning to quantify the layer of cardiac fat around the heart with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound. This layer of fat influences the development of coronary artery disease.”
DISTINGUISHED RESEARCH PROFESSOR Scott Umbaugh, PhD, professor and graduate program director in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, has joined a prestigious group of tenured faculty members by achieving the University’s highest academic rank of Distinguished Research Professor. Umbaugh is a prolific researcher known worldwide for the development and implementation of application software in medical imaging, satellite imaging, manufacturing, agriculture and robotics.
Our research is challenging and fulfilling. I take great joy in mentoring students in research and development, and involving them in its dissemination. It has been a particular honor and privilege to mentor 12 Competitive Graduate Award winners over the past 13 years, and I believe their contribution to our research has been exceptional. - Scott Umbaugh, PhD, Distinguished Research Professor and Graduate Program Director
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ALUMNI PROFILES ALUMNA NAMED A 2020 TOP YOUNG PROFESSIONAL Ashlee Oceguera, BS construction management ’13, has been named to the ENR Mountain States’ 2020 Top Young Professionals list. Oceguera is among 20 professionals in the commercial construction industry recognized on the list for having “demonstrated a mastery of new technologies and worked hard to mentor colleagues and others about better design and smart construction projects.”
I feel privileged to be included among such incredible people. I have worked incredibly hard to get to where I am, but I don’t do it for the recognition or reward. I do it because I love it.
- Ashlee Oceguera, BS Construction Management ’13
Oceguera is the corporate training manager for FCI Constructors, Inc., a premier general contracting company based in Grand Junction, Colo., with locations nationwide. She is primarily responsible for coordinating training and compliance with company standard operating policies and procedures across all departments, including operations, safety and quality assurance/quality control. “My goal is to set our teams up for success,” Oceguera said. “We incorporate training in soft skills and technology, including courses in leadership, communication, conflict resolution, risk management and more. I do a lot of research on new technology and industry practices to identify opportunities to be more efficient, especially in the field.” Oceguera rose to her position after working for FCI as a field engineer on one of the company’s largest projects in history, where her ability to effectively communicate with and manage others shined. “Ashlee continually exhibits leadership by seeking out and exploring trends in the construction industry and implementing positive change that keeps our firm on the forefront of employee training and career enhancement,” said FCI Corporate Safety Director Michael Saks. At SIUE, Oceguera was an involved student, taking part in multiple extracurricular activities and volunteer projects. “Opportunities offered outside of the classroom are what truly set me up for success,” Oceguera said. “The classes are invaluable, but what really sets SIUE apart are the extracurriculars. I was also fortunate to have some incredible professors who genuinely cared about their students. I especially valued those with a lifetime of real-world, relatable experience.” As a noted female leader, Oceguera acknowledges the need for more diversity in the construction industry. She advises others desiring to achieve similar goals, “Keep persevering. You will be told no. You will have to make tough decisions and sacrifices. But, stay true to yourself and work hard, really hard. If you want something, earn it.”
ALUMNUS ON GUARD AGAINST CYBER TERRORISM Growing up, Jabril Cross-Ellis enjoyed tinkering with electronics, found a love for computers and took all the STEM classes he could. But by his senior year of high school in Calumet Park, Ill., Cross-Ellis deliberated on whether to join the military or enroll in college. While researching in-state engineering programs, he found the School of Engineering offered a great program at a very fair tuition cost. He also learned about the ROTC program—a way for him to simultaneously serve in the military while pursuing his degree. Additionally, the program helped pay for his education and put him on the path to becoming an officer. He enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard as a geospatial engineer during his first semester at SIUE and declared mechanical engineering as his major. When the mechatronics and robotics program began in 2016, Cross-Ellis changed majors, preferring the heavier emphasis on the cutting-edge technology of today. Though Cross-Ellis said he was not initially prepared to balance the rigorous curriculum along with the ROTC program and weekends serving the National Guard, he persevered by adapting an engineering mindset. “I learned how to think and study like an engineer,” he said. “I built work ethic, diligence and an understanding of my own learning style. That helped me push forward, earn better grades and finish my degree.” As the first Black student to graduate from the mechatronics and robotics program, Cross-Ellis hopes to set an example of what can be accomplished regardless of ethnicity. While challenged at times by a lack of ethnic relatability among his cohort, he stressed that diversity is key in the field of engineering.
Engineering requires diversity to bring about innovation. There’s a direct correlation because in order to break through to the next level, you must have a different way of thinking about things. - Jabril Cross-Ellis, BS Mechatronics and Robotics ’20
Upon graduation, Cross-Ellis was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army National Guard as a cyber operations officer and currently is stationed in Illinois. He thrives on the challenges of cyber security, a field that’s exponentially growing and changing by the hour. “Being an officer in charge of a team whose sole purpose is to defend an army in the cyber security battlespace requires a lot of mental awareness and attention to detail, but being a leader is rewarding,” Cross-Ellis said. “Leadership is earned by treating everyone above and below you with the same respect you’d like to receive, and by caring about them just like you care about your own family.” Cross-Ellis will complete his cyber operations officer training in 2021 at the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence at Fort Gordon in Georgia.
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ADVISORY BOARD FROM OUR ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS Members of the School of Engineering Advisory Board and Industrial and Professional Advisory Councils (IPAC) represent a variety of industries and provide strategic support and guidance to the School. The input they offer helps the School strengthen curriculum, prepare for future trends and foster industry partnerships.
Bill Butler Vice President of Engineering, Emerson Commercial & Residential Solutions School of Engineering Advisory Board “Emerson is an important part of the regional economy and a global leader in many different areas. It’s imperative that we have a well-trained, well-equipped workforce of product development engineers and software developers. As a board member, I feel that I can provide input to Dean Karacal and the School of Engineering on what is important from the industry’s perspective. I’ve had the chance to hire SIUE engineers, which is a win-win for both of us. SIUE is out in front of the pack with the mechatronics program. Mechatronics engineers have the best foundation to bring applied mechanical and electronics solutions to the table. The program is just another way SIUE is rising to the top.”
Stephanie Jeffries BS Construction Management ’95 (Business Minor) Archimages, Inc., Executive Director Construction Management IPAC “As we all deal with COVID-19, we are learning to do our jobs more virtually. In the construction industry, we have cameras on hard hats to review jobsite progress, quality and safety in lieu of several of us walking the construction site. We are trying to train new graduates and new employees remotely instead of sitting next to them in the office. In my opinion, the biggest challenge is figuring out what the world will look like after COVID. Will there be a fundamental change in culture? Will the office environment stay remote? I believe the School is looking at these challenges as opportunities to improve, finding better ways to recruit and engage. I believe in SIUE’s engineering program. I am fortunate to work with many graduates, and it is great to see students from across the country choose SIUE for their education.”
Rob Johnes BS Construction Management ’98 President and Owner, Helmkamp Construction Company Construction Management IPAC “The School of Engineering provides a well-rounded education base with the fundamentals, while also educating on the latest technology and techniques. They are a tremendous asset to the region by being a reliable resource for producing outstanding future employees for construction, engineering and multiple other industries throughout the region. Workforce availability continues to be a challenge, along with addressing that shortfall by identifying and training new workers and filling gaps with new technology and methods. The School is addressing these challenges by asking the industry about our needs and then meeting them by educating new students in the fundamentals while exposing them to new technology and processes.”
Cathleen Gotsch BS Electrical Engineering ’01, MS Electrical Engineering ’02 Program Manager, The Boeing Company Electrical and Computer Engineering IPAC “I value supporting my alma mater in understanding what the industry is looking for in electrical engineering graduates. This will also help Boeing find top local talent to fill the talent pipeline. Specifically for the Midwest, there is a limited pool of new graduate engineers to support low-level embedded software and FPGA firmware development. The School continues to offer courses in FPGA design. The School of Engineering has top talent in their professors and state-of-the art facilities to support students in their education. The School is made up of a diverse set of students which is valuable to the students’ experience to prepare them for the diverse professional workplace they will be working in after graduation.”
Complete list available of IPAC and advisory board members: siue.edu/engineering-advisory-board
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FRIENDS OF ENGINEERING DONOR LIST
GIVING PRIORITIES
The faculty, staff and students of the School of Engineering extend sincere appreciation to our alumni, friends, corporate partners, foundations and organizations who contributed to the School in fiscal year 2020. We are grateful for your investments. On behalf of everyone at the School, thank you for making a difference in the lives of our future engineers, computer scientists and construction managers.
NAMING OPPORTUNITIES This issue of 3E highlights newly named spaces to honor and thank donors. From the main auditorium to conference rooms to labs, various areas throughout the School are available to proudly display appreciation of donors’ support.
Sincerely, Cem Karacal, Dean School of Engineering
$250,000+ Corporations Enterprise Holdings Foundation
$25,000-$99,999 Individual Dr. Raghupathy Bollini and Mrs. Sailarani Bollini Mr. Edward C. Grady ’72 & Mrs. Karen S. Grady Corporations Ameren Corporation SICAP - Southern Illinois Construction Advancement Program The Grady Family Foundation
$10,000-$24,999 Individuals Mr. Emmett G. Beetner & Mrs. Lynne D. Beetner ’81 Dr. Surya N. Bodapati & Mrs. Ruth A. Bodapati Corporations MiTek USA, Inc. Nidec Motor Corporation WRB Refining, LLC
$5,000-$9,999 Individuals Mrs. Vicki S. LaRose ’90 & Mr. Dennis LaRose Corporations Civil Design, Inc. CFMA - Construction Financial Management Association Helmkamp Construction Company Holland Construction Services, Inc. Oates Associates, Inc. Charitable Contribution Fund
$2,000-$4,999 Individuals Mr. Paul Guse & Mrs. M. Kay Guse ’88
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Corporations Alberici Constructors Bommarito Construction Co., Inc. Emerson Charitable Trust France Mechanical Corporation Illinois Professional Land Surveyors Association - Southwest Chapter L. Keeley Construction Magna International of America, Inc. National Association of Women in Construction S. M. Wilson & Co. Southern Illinois Sheet Metal Contractors Western Holding Group
$1,000-$1,999 Individuals Mr. David J. Blecha ’90 & Mrs. Sheri L. Blecha ’90 Mr. Mark W. Palmer ’85 ’92 & Mrs. Joanne M. Palmer ’78 Mr. Roland G. Thouvenot ’72 Corporations American Concrete Institute Missouri Chapter Antolin Nashville Boardwalk Incorporated Budrovich Development Company Inc. Contegra Construction Company, LLC Guarantee Electrical Construction J. F. Electric, Incorporated Keller Construction, Inc. Luna & Associates, LLC Marino Engineering Associates, Inc. McCarthy Holdings, Inc. Mechanical Solutions, Inc. Olin Corporation Charitable Trust Paric Corporation Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery Poettker Construction Company RJN Foundation, Inc. Ross & Baruzzini, Inc.
Tarlton Corporation The Western Construction Group Thouvenot, Wade & Moerchen, Inc.
$500-$999 Individuals Mr. David B. Claxton ’90 & Mrs. Janet Claxton ’92 Dr. Harold A. Klotz, Jr. ’78 Mr. David Sherrill & Mrs. Sharon Sherrill Mr. & Mrs. John P. Tippabattuni ’12 Mr. & Mrs. Brent M. Vaughn ’95 ’99 Mr. & Mrs. Christopher L. Walker ’05 Mr. Brian Walker ’04 Dr. Terry Yan & Mrs. Cynthia Wang Corporations A. R. Deahl Construction Acme Erectors, Inc. American Concrete Institute American Institute of Steel Construction American Society of Civil Engineers - St. Louis Section ARCO Construction Company, Incorporated Boyer Fire Protection Buzzi Unicem USA Red-E-Mix, LLC Byrne & Jones Enterprises Inc. C.A. Jones, Inc. G&W Engineering Corporation Guarantee Geco Engineering Harold O’Shea Builders IAPA - Illinois Asphalt Pavement Association Impact Strategies, Inc. Imperial Ornamental Metal Co., Inc. Kadean Construction Inc. Kone, Inc. Louer Facility Planning, Inc. Missouri Society of Professional Surveyors Murphy Company Northstar Management Co., LLC Opus Design Build, LLC
Pitzman’s Company of Surveyors & Engineers RCS Construction Silver Creek Cattle Co. SIUE Alumni Association The Korte Company TW Constructors, LLC Vogel Sheet Metal & Heating, Inc. Zein Group International, Inc.
SCHOLARSHIPS The School of Engineering is consistently one of the most affordable engineering programs in the region. Students can find additional financial opportunities through scholarships. The Dean’s goal is to increase annual scholarship awards from $60,000 to $150,000.
ENDOWED STUDENT ORGANIZATION FUNDS The School of Engineering currently has 35 student organizations, all of which need resources to organize events, community outreach projects, and attend regional and national conferences. Endowed gifts ensure these student-led groups can pursue extra-curricular activities that provide them with the competitive edge and leadership skills to successfully enter the workforce.
HOW TO GIVE Make a gift to the School of Engineering using the attached envelope or by contacting Lisa Smith, director of development, at lsmitag@siue.edu or 618-650-5020.
Stephen R. Covey said, “Life is not accumulation, it is about contribution.” When I reflect on the contributions the School of Engineering is making to advance the future of science and technology, with the help of our supporters, I am filled with great pride and gratitude. - Cem Karacal, PhD, Dean
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